Justice for Colombia together with other human rights organisations will be hosting a talk and film showing to mark the International Day of the Endangered Lawyer, which this year focuses on Colombia.

TV Edwards solicitor Carlos Orjuela, representing the Haldane Society is a panel member for the discussion along with Professor Bill Bowring, President of European Lawyers for Democracy and Human Rights, Shanta Martin, Leigh Day. The discussion will take place on the 24rd January at The Seminar Room, Garden Court Chambers, 57-60 Lincoln's Inn Fields, London WC2A3LJ.

Human rights violations have been committed in Colombia not only against political opponents to the Government but also against minorities, in particular against the indigenous population in Colombia. They are also directed against human rights lawyers who have the courage to defend the victims of such human rights violations committed by the state.

According to the Colombian Caravana UK Lawyers’ Group, over 400 lawyers have been killed in Colombia since 1991. When such lawyers become victims of arbitrary rule, their clients become double victims. They are both victims of state arbitrary rule and are also robbed of the chance of a fair trial. When lawyers are prevented from fulfilling their professional duties, not only is their personal future and that of their clients in danger, but justice itself is endangered.

On September 11th 2013 Edison Alberto Molina was shot dead in Puerto Berrio on the way home with his wife. He worked at a radio station and presented a show called Legal Clinic, here he would help solve any legal questions from listeners and frequently made allegations of corruption in local government departments.

Colombian lawyers have asked for support from the international community, they have called upon the International Caravana of Jurists to visit Colombia again in 2014 to monitor their continuing risk situation.